In Deuteronomy, God tells the Israelites: You shall also love the stranger, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt. (10:19). Having experienced life as immigrants in a foreign land, God’s people were now called to offer love and welcome to the immigrants among them. Jesus reiterates this call to radical hospitality in the New Testament (Matthew 25:35).

The United States is a nation of immigrants. While we come from different backgrounds, our country’s strength is the ability to unite together around common goals. Yet, our immigration laws prevent immigrants from using their gifts to improve our communities and grow the economy. Instead of “welcoming the stranger,” the current system leaves families living in fear and prevents young people from achieving their dreams.

Sojourners believes Christians are called to change this. Through our work with groups like the Evangelical Immigration Table and the Interfaith Immigration Coalition, we are articulating the biblical witness for immigration reform and encouraging our political leaders to take action. By working together, we believe the faith community has a historic opportunity to help create a road map to citizenship for 11 million aspiring Americans.